Abstract
PurposeTo provide insight into the types of questions asked to medical physicists by patients during one‐on‐one physicist–patient consults at one institution.Materials and MethodsMedical physicists trained in patient communication techniques met with patients to provide an overview of the treatment planning and delivery processes, discuss the patient's treatment plan, and answer any technical questions. From August 2016 to December 2019, 152 physicist–patient consults were conducted. In the initial months of the study (August 2016—December 2017), following each physicist–patient consult, all patient questions were documented by the physicists. For the remaining time period (January 2018—December 2019), any newly encountered questions were periodically added to the list. The questions were compiled into a comprehensive list and organized into categories.ResultsThere were a total of 88 unique patient questions. These questions fit into four topical categories. Fifty‐four questions (61.4%) were in the “Treatment Planning and Delivery Questions” category, 15 questions (17.1%) were in the “General Radiation Questions or Concerns” category, 13 questions (14.8%) were in the “Safety and Quality Assurance Questions” category, and 6 questions (6.8%) were in the “Medical Questions” category. Overall, patients were primarily concerned about how radiation works, the treatment planning and delivery processes, and what is being done to keep them safe throughout their treatment.ConclusionPhysicist–patient consults provided an opportunity to address the technical aspects of radiation therapy with patients in greater detail. The fact that patient questions could be conveniently grouped into only four topical categories indicates that it may be straightforward for other medical physicists to prepare for effectively addressing technical questions during physicist–patient consults.
Highlights
Patients often view radiation therapy as a technically complex and confusing medical specialty
Studies have shown that information available online is often too complex or convoluted for the general public.[4,5,6]. Regardless of this evidence, a recent study concluded that the readability levels of newly created patient education materials for radiation oncology are not improving on a consistent basis.[7]
Nine patient communication competencies were assessed for all participating medical physicists, each scored on a five‐point scale
Summary
Patients often view radiation therapy as a technically complex and confusing medical specialty. Common misconceptions and preconceived notions about radiation and radiation therapy frequently result in patients having multiple questions about the medical and technical aspects of their treatment.[1] This will likely continue as radiation oncology patients become more involved in their care or look for answers online.[2,3]. Confusion or frustration around unanswered questions can contribute to patient‐related distress, which may negatively impact outcomes following radiation therapy.[8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
